A Dog that likes to dig within the yard is often incredibly frustrating. additionally, to being annoying, digging can create an unsightly mess in your yard, endanger the health of your yard plantings, and potentially cause some health problems for your dog. and therefore the digging habit may be a hard one to interrupt.
- Why Do Dogs Dig?
No matter how frustrated or angry you would possibly become, remember that your dog isn't digging just to spite you or intentionally destroy your property. Many dogs dig for one among two reasons: they're bored (and possibly lonely) and need some mental and physical stimulation, or they enjoy digging - the entire experience is simply an excessive amount of fun to resist.
Your yard may be a virtual playground for your dog. Interesting creatures like moles or mice could be living there, just waiting to be sniffed out and unearthed. exhumation plants are often a festive way for a dog to spend an hour or two. and therefore the smells! Bunnies fascinate almost every dog, and that they leave their scent behind them whenever they are available in your yard. many a dog will go digging, trying to uncover rabbits hiding in their burrows. The smell of freshly turned dirt, manure, and other natural fertilizers also appeal to several dogs, and a few will dig to urge closer to the source.
Your dog may additionally be digging because he's trying to urge your attention, to form a cooler spot to dwell during a hot day, or to bury a bone or treat for "safekeeping." Other dogs dig instinctively. for instance, certain breeds, like terriers and dachshunds, are bred to probe underground animal dens and burrows and drag their residents out, so those breeds are more likely to dig than others. Still, other dogs dig under fences to flee from their yards and go roaming or "visit" a female in heat. Finally, dogs with high energy levels may dig as how of releasing a number of their pent-up energy.
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- How to Stop Dog Digging
When you want to prevent dog digging, it is vital to spot the rationale your dog is digging to start with. Don't simply use punishment to prevent dog digging. Instead, determine why he's digging and tailor the way you correct the matter accordingly, by addressing the cause.
Assuming your dog is digging for one of the 2 main reasons (out of sheer boredom or because he enjoys it), it should be pretty easy to spot which one is responsible. If he digs regardless of what proportion of exercise and mental stimulation he gets and he does it whether you're home or not, he's probably digging simply because he loves doing it. If he doesn't usually dig when you're home but he's alone for lengthy periods, or if he doesn't get enough regular exercise, he's probably digging because he's bored or lonely and he's trying to entertain himself or burn off his excess energy.
- Vinegar as a deterrent
Vinegar may be a smell dog strongly dislike, so it can discourage them from digging in your yard. Vinegar is often unhealthy for plants, so don't spray it directly on your lawn or garden. HowStuffWorks recommends soaking biodegradable coffee filters in white vinegar then allow them to dry within the sun. once they are dry, cut the filters into thin strips and scatter them around your yard to stay dogs from digging therein area.
- How to Stop Dog Digging Caused by Boredom or Loneliness
When you want to prevent dog digging thanks to boredom or loneliness, one among the primary belongings you can try is giving him more exercise. Take your dog for an extended run, or if that's impossible, for as long of a walk as you and your dog can handle. A thirty-minute walk is perhaps the minimum, and an hour would be even better. If you do not have this much time to steer your dog, consider hiring a dog walker to require your home. As a general rule, a tired dog may be a well-behaved dog, and straightforward exercise is often enough to prevent dog digging in some cases.
Obedience training sessions can serve two purposes (in addition to the apparent training benefits). Teaching your dog new commands or tricks will relieve his boredom by keeping his mind stimulated, and your dog will cherish your companionship and therefore the time you spend together. If your dog is digging thanks to loneliness and/or boredom, these training sessions can help. A lonely dog also will appreciate it if you can drop by during your lunch hour for a fast visit. Alternatively, you'll arrange for a lover or a dog-sitter to visit your dog during an extended, lonely day.
You can also buy your dog some toys which will keep him entertained and mentally engaged while you are not home. for instance, durable, vulcanite toys which you'll stuff with treats can occupy your dog physically and mentally for hours as he tries to work out the way to get to the goodies inside.
- How to Stop Dog Digging Caused by a Love of Digging
If your dog just likes to dig, you would possibly be ready to stop dog digging by restricting his access to your yard. If you're always there to supervise while your dog's in your yard, he won't be ready to dig whenever the mood strikes. If you're present, you'll stop dog digging as soon because it begins.
You can also make digging in your yard unappealing to your dog by using natural deterrents. for instance, liberally sprinkle cayenne pepper in areas where your dog normally digs. As your dog digs into those "peppered" areas, the cayenne will irritate his eyes and nose and he'll soon stop. Alternatively, you'll stop dog digging by burying a number of your dog's feces in areas where he often digs. a 3rd method involves spraying your dog with a hose or water gun whenever you catch him within the act.
Finally, recognize that some dogs are getting to dig regardless of what you are doing. It's just in their blood. If you've got the space, give your dog an area where digging is okay then encourage him to try to do his digging thereby burying some treats and favorite toys for him to unearth. Consider this area as your dog's sandbox, almost like a child's sandbox. He'll have an excellent time and therefore the remainder of your yard is going to be safe.
I know how it is often tough and time-consuming to eradicate your dog's bad behaviors like "Dog Digging" or the other behavioral issues you're unfortunately facing. patiently and consistent you'll be ready to put an end to all or any of your dog's "problems" but you would like to try to do it the proper way.